CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Kim McGraw stepped into a cedar-lined wonder when she transformed a century-old mansion into Iowa’s go-to spot for rare houseplants. Crazy Plant Gal now fills the former funeral home and restaurant space with thousands of greenery, from towering Monsteras to delicate Hoyas.

The shop claims the title of the state’s largest Hoya grower. Customers browse shelves packed with Anthuriums, Philodendrons and other varieties alongside handmade candles, sparkling suncatchers and T-shirts, according to the business website.

McGraw and her husband bought the distinctive Victorian building last year. Records show it dates to the 1870s. Over decades, the site hosted steakhouses, a social club called Moniker 86 and even funeral services. High ceilings and original woodwork draw visitors before they spot a single leaf.

“It’s a space that feels just haunted enough to be interesting — but still friendly,” McGraw posted on social media. She told Homegrown Iowan that odd noises and fleeting shadows have popped up since they moved in. No full-on ghosts, though. Just enough mystery to pair with the plants.

Business hours run Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday until 2 p.m. McGraw keeps fans updated via the shop’s Facebook page. Foot traffic has picked up steadily since opening day. Local plant enthusiasts praise the stock’s quality and the mansion’s vibe.

The location sits in Cedar Rapids’ historic southeast side, steps from downtown bustle. Preservationists nod approval at the adaptive reuse. McGraw plans workshops on plant care soon. She sources many specimens herself, tending a backyard nursery that supplies the shop.

Iowa’s houseplant scene has exploded in recent years. Crazy Plant Gal taps right into that green wave. McGraw, a former teacher, swapped classrooms for cuttings after her collection outgrew her home. Her husband handles the heavy lifting, from potting to deliveries.

Visitors describe the setup as immersive. Potted plants climb staircases and line mantels in what was once a parlor. Sunlight filters through stained glass, casting patterns on lush foliage. It’s less store, more jungle escape.

McGraw eyes expansion. She stocks hard-to-find variegated Hoyas that sell out fast. Prices start low for common pothos, climb for rarities. No membership needed. Just curiosity and maybe a wagon for bigger buys.

The mansion’s past adds layers. Black-and-white photos on the walls show its restaurant days. McGraw honors that history with subtle touches. Plants thrive in the stable humidity, a perk of the old structure.

Locals spot the shop from blocks away. Its turret and wraparound porch stand out amid modern storefronts. Parking hugs the street. McGraw waves hello from the doorway most days.

As spring nears, expect crowds. Crazy Plant Gal has claimed its corner of Cedar Rapids. The mansion lives on, greener than ever.